HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN DONATE TO SIMCOE COUNTY PARAMEDIC TOY DRIVE

SARA CARSON scarson@simcoe.com

The holiday season is upon us, and the County of Simcoe paramedic services has kicked off its 19th annual toy drive.

Over the past 18 years, the toy drive has collected 87,524 toys, 42,773 pounds of food, and more than $200,890 in monetary and gift card donations for families across Simcoe County.

"We have all seen first hand the many ways that residents have struggled throughout the past 18 months. Feelings of being isolated, alone and financially depleted have had dramatic impacts on so many," said County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell. "Events like the County of Simcoe Paramedic Toy Drive help to bring people together towards a common goal — to make a child smile on Christmas morning, and to restore a family's faith in themselves."

Donate online at canadahelps.org/en/ charities/simcoe-county-paramedic-association.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable food items, and gift cards with the value indicated can be dropped off at the County of Simcoe Administration Centre (1110 Highway 26, Midhurst) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

In addition, the following locations have outdoor drop boxes:

• Alliston — 6933 Industrial Pkwy.

• Angus — 1 Tree Top St.

• Barrie — 110 Fairview Rd., 667 Bayfield St., 113 Tiffin St.

• Beeton — 51 Main St. E.

• Bradford — 170 Artesian Industrial Pkwy., Units 6 and 7

• Coldwater — 1 Firehall Lane

• Collingwood — 169 St. Paul St.

• Craighurst — 2298 Horseshoe Valley Rd.

• Elmvale — 17 Allenwood Rd.

• Midland — 395 Cranston Cres.

• Orillia — 68 West St.

• Penetanguishene — 10 Robert St. W.

• Stayner — 6993 Highway 26

• Stroud — 2394 Victoria St. W.

• Wasaga Beach — 23 Oxbow Park Rd.

• Washago — 401 Anchor Dr. For a list of more dropoff locations, visit simcoe.ca/toydrive.

SPOTLIGHT: 3 THINGS ABOUT BARRIE CHRISTMAS CHEER

Group Provides Food And Toys For The Holidays

Since 1974, Christmas Cheer has provided food and toys to families in need throughout Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, and Springwater, said Cindy Tonn, the organization's president. "To try and make that one time of year a little bit brighter," she said. Christmas Cheer usually serves 1,700 to 1,800 families, which is about 5,000 people. The charitable organization's board of directors are all volunteers.

Volunteers are busy preparing for the holiday season. Usually, Christmas Cheer accepts donations of food and toys. Because of COVID-19, the organization began to accept financial donations only during the Christmas 2020 fundraiser. "We were absolutely overwhelmed with how successful it was," Tonn said. This year's goal is to raise $250,000. This money is used to purchase toys and food gift cards.

Those in need of toys and food for their holiday can apply online at christmascheer barrie.com/apply/. To donate, visit canadahelps.org/en/ dn/3800. Anyone who needs help with the application process can call 705-730-0449, or email apply@christmas cheerbarrie.com. Donations can be made by cheque to Barrie and District Christmas Cheer, PO Box 161, Barrie, Ont., L4M 4T2.